West Lothian College has become the first college in Scotland to sign and support the Scottish Trade Union Congress’s (STUC) Dying to Work campaign, an initiative aimed at providing vital support and understanding to employees diagnosed with a terminal illness.

The campaign ensures that individuals facing a terminal diagnosis are treated with dignity and respect, while providing them with the security of work, peace of mind, and the right to make decisions that are best for both themselves and their families.

College Principal, Jackie Galbraith said: “Signing the Dying to Work Charter in partnership with our trade unions demonstrates our commitment to stand by our employees when they need us most. We will treat colleagues facing terminal illness with respect and care, protect their dignity, and support their wellbeing.

“As a Fair Work employer, we strive to provide security and respect for our staff, and signing up to this charter is a further illustration of how we provide a supportive workplace environment.”

West Lothian College recognises that employees in these circumstances may choose to continue working as a source of stability or financial security. Others may decide to spend their remaining time with loved ones. The college also ensures that employees who are members of pension schemes will have their death in service benefits protected, offering financial reassurance for their families.

Lilian Macer, STUC President, said: “Workers facing terminal illness shouldn’t have to endure any uncertainty, worry or fear about losing their job, more colleges and workplaces need to work in line with fair work principles to take the progressive steps that West Lothian College has taken in supporting and showing compassion and respect to their workforce, helping them to maintain dignity at the most difficult of times.

“Workers should be provided with the support, compassion and security of work by their employers to enable them to make the best choices for themselves and their families, by signing up to the Charter and following fair work principles employers promise to support and protect their employees during the most challenging and difficult of times.”

A spokesperson for EIS (Educational Institute of Scotland) at West Lothian College, added: “The West Lothian College branch of EISFELA welcome, and enthusiastically support, the college’s decision to sign the Dying to Work Charter.

“The Charter gives staff additional support and allows options over how their employment should continue, reflective of their own needs and wants. We hope that this will reduce the stress of concerns over loss of income when dealing with the realities of a terminal diagnosis.”

For more information about the Dying to Work campaign, visit www.dyingtowork.co.uk